Kinesiology, commonly known as muscle testing, is a
method that some practitioners use to determine the root cause of a particular symptom.
Kinesiology treats the body as the intelligent computer that knows exactly what is
wrong and what is needed to restore balance. By using hand codes that correspond to different
body systems, Kinesiology allows the practitioner to accurately determine the area of concern
and treat it effectively. Kinesiology is also an excellent way to holistically treat sports
injuries which often are the result of some muscle systems being stronger and thus being used
more that others. There are many forms of Kinesiology, including Applied, Clinical and
Educational. This chapter addresses Applied Kinesiology.

Founded in 1964 by George Goodheart, DC, Applied Kinesiology (AK)
has emerged as a foremost diagnostic system that integrates a variety of complementary
healthcare treatment methods.

Applied Kinesiology is a holistic approach to healthcare which draws together various
complementary therapies – many described in this book – creating a more unified approach to the
diagnosis and treatment of disease processes. AK helps determine the cause of the problem
through non-invasive measures such as posture and gait analysis, range of motion, palpation
and manual muscle testing.

These assessments are used along with standard methods of diagnosis such as clinical
history, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, x-ray and instrumentation. This
information is used as a guide for the doctor to determine which conservative therapies will
be most effective for the patient.

An Applied Kinesiologist is a doctor who has completed a minimum of 100 hours of
training certified by the International College of Applied Kinesiology. In the United States,
AK is represented mostly by Chiropractors. However, there is an increasing number of
Medical Doctors, Dentists, Osteopaths, Doctors of Oriental Medicine, and other healthcare
professionals who are discovering the health benefits offered by Applied Kinesiological
methods. The practice of Applied Kinesiology requires that it be used along with other
standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

One of the most notable techniques of evaluation utilized by AK is manual muscle
testing. The doctor performs individual muscle tests to see how nerves in the body react to
physical, chemical and emotional stress. The information gathered from this analysis is used
along with other standard diagnostic tests to assist the physician in developing a therapeutic
plan.

Additionally, Applied Kinesiologists have recognized relationships between specific
muscles and organs. This is very useful in helping the doctor determine the true cause of the
patient's problem.

Applied Kinesiology does not fix or cure any disease. Rather, it provides a way for the
doctor to evaluate and restore proper function of the nervous system thereby allowing the body
to once again regulate its own health. We have within all of us the potential to be well. It
is up to the doctor and the patient to be sure this inborn potential for health and healing is
free from any interference.